Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

About

The Canada Goose is our largest goose and maybe our most familiar. They are a common bird across most of the country, nesting on park lakes, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Canada Geese are not native to this country, having been introduced from North America about 300 years ago. After the Second World War, they spread across the UK, becoming pests in some areas as they congregate in large numbers and cause damage.

How to identify

The Canada Goose is a large goose, with a black neck and head and white cheek patches.

Where to find it

Found almost throughout the country, except the north of Scotland.

Habitats

When to find it

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

Novermber

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

How can people help

Canada Geese can be a serious pest, nosily flocking at park lakes, decimating crops and leaving large quantities of excrement. But out on lakes and reservoirs, they can mostly live without cause for concern. The Wildlife Trusts work with pest controllers to find the most wildlife-friendly solutions to some of our everyday problems. You can help by avoiding feeding these birds at local parks and rivers.